Construction begins on major Westminster affordable housing development

The construction phase of the first 226 new homes in South Westminster has begun, forming part of the biggest delivery of affordable homes in the area for over 50 years.

Westminster City Council approved plans for the Ebury Bridge Estate in April, seeing the creation of 781 homes, more than half of which being affordable.

The proposals will see the full redevelopment of the current estate, including the creation of 239 council homes.

More than 110 households have been temporarily relocated and seven empty blocks have been demolished to prepare for the construction, as the construction partner Bouygues UK takes over the site.

Cllr Heather Acton, Westminster City Council cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: ‘Our plans for Ebury Bridge have been formed in close partnership with the residents of the estate and we have made sure their views are reflected.

‘To now be able to hand over the site to our contractor Bouygues UK and begin the construction phase is very exciting. Ebury Bridge represents the highest number of new affordable homes being built in Westminster in a generation. I’m looking forward to watching the progress of the construction and continuing to work closely with Bouygues UK during the process.’

Rob Bradley, CEO of Bouygues UK, added: ‘Bouygues UK is delighted to start work on this exciting project which will bring huge benefits to the community of Ebury Bridge Estate. As well as providing high quality new housing, we will be bringing added value by employing and training local people throughout the construction phase. This project continues our longstanding relationship with Westminster City Council and we look forward to the residents moving into their new homes in early 2024.’

During this initial phase, the first taller buildings will be built, with views over Battersea Power Station. The majority of returning residents will have an opportunity to move into the first two new buildings.

It will aim to be an almost car-free development, with disabled car parking only. Both pedestrian and cycle transport are expected to be prioritized with more than 2,000 cycle spaces for residents.

The newly built homes will use 90% less carbon than the existing estate and grey water recycling will be used for household functions, in line with Westminster City Council’s plans to be carbon net zero by 2040.

In related news, 130 homes at West Carclaze Garden Village have been bought by Cornwall Council as part of its work to tackle the housing crisis.

Photo supplied by Westminster City Council